Monday, April 30, 2007

Indymedia reports:Iraq has the world’s second or third largest proven oil reserves. The proposed Iraqi law (translated pdf) would give Western oil companies control over Iraqi oil. It provides for “exploration risk contracts” allowing foreign companies control of oil exploration, development and production for up to 30 years. If the law is adopted as is, control of the Iraqi oil industry will shift from the public sector, where it’s been since the 1970s, into the hands of the multinational oil companies, especially British and American firms. Under the new law, Iraq will reportedly be breaking away from the normal procedure that is used by all major oil-producing countries, none of whom allow such foreign control. In Saudi Arabia, the country that has the world’s largest oil reserves, oil is fully owned and controlled by the national oil company.

The same is true for Kuwait. The United Arab Emirates and Iran allow some foreign investment but maintain national control.

Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki endorsed the draft law February 26, 2007, and it was approved by the Iraqi cabinet in March. The law is waiting for a vote in the Iraqi Parliament.

Iraq: The Hidden StoryIraq For Sale - a Robert Greenwald filmThe Secret Government - PBS, Bill MoyersThe History of Oil - Robert NewmanThe Power of Nightmares"Confessions of an Economic Hitman," an interview with the author, John Perkins:
"America: Freedom to Fascism," a film by
Aaron Russo:Greg Palast, "How Bush Stole The 2000 Election," Part 1 of 2:Sir, No Sir!Greg Palast, "How Bush Stole The 2000 Election," Part 2 of 2:Noam Chomsky vs Alan Dershowitz
Israel And Palestine After Disengagement: "Where Do We Go From Here?"
Harvard University 11/29/05
Part 1 of 7Noam Chomsky vs Alan Dershowitz
Israel And Palestine After Disengagement: "Where Do We Go From Here?"
Harvard University 11/29/05
Part 2 of 7Noam Chomsky vs Alan Dershowitz
Israel And Palestine After Disengagement: "Where Do We Go From Here?"
Harvard University 11/29/05
Part 3 of 7Noam Chomsky vs Alan Dershowitz
Israel And Palestine After Disengagement: "Where Do We Go From Here?"
Harvard University 11/29/05
Part 4 of 7Noam Chomsky vs Alan Dershowitz
Israel And Palestine After Disengagement: "Where Do We Go From Here?"
Harvard University 11/29/05
Part 5 of 7Noam Chomsky vs Alan Dershowitz
Israel And Palestine After Disengagement: "Where Do We Go From Here?"
Harvard University 11/29/05
Part 6 of 7Noam Chomsky vs Alan Dershowitz
Israel And Palestine After Disengagement: "Where Do We Go From Here?"
Harvard University 11/29/05
Part 7 of 7"Distorted Morality," a lecture by Noam Chomsky:Noam Chomsky on BookTV, 4/17/07, Part 1:Noam Chomsky on BookTV, 4/17/07, Part 2:Noam Chomsky at MIT, "The Militarization of Science and Space":Noam Chomsky's "Manufacturing Consent":9/11 Truth: Unusual Evacuations